Archbishop reminds Brazilians that elections will determine future of country

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sep 23, 2010 / 03:14 am (CNA).- Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro reminded Brazilians this week that the October 3 elections will determine the future path of the country. He then called on the faithful remember the defense of life as well as the respect for religious freedom and human dignity when going to the polls.

“The country that we desire with our vote will be the one that we get,” the archbishop said in a recent article. As baptized persons, “We participate in the prophetic mission of Christ, through which the Kingdom of God, of Justice, of the Truth, of Love and of Peace should be established,” he continued.

“This prophetic voice demands vigilance and continual participation in the reality in which we live, which unfortunately is tainted with many anti-values and interests that unleash violence and injustice,” the archbishop stated.

“We must take into account policies that address the needs of all without distinction, especially a free country that respects all citizens and in which we know we are brothers and sisters,” he added.

Archbishop Tempesta reiterated his call to the faithful to analyze which candidates have platforms that defend: “the dignity of the human person and life in all its stages and manifestations, as well as the family according to God’s plan, freedom of education and of religion in schools, solidarity with particular concern for the poor and excluded, respect for subsidiarity and the commitment to building a culture of peace at all levels.”

The elections of October 3, he added, are “a great opportunity that Catholics and all people of good will cannot lose.”

“May Our Lady of Aparecida intercede for all the Catholic faithful that they vote responsibly and in accord with the deepest Christian traditions that make up the conscience and identity of the Brazilian people,” the archbishop concluded.